Tilt-A-Whirls And Cotton Candy: Inside The Life Of A Carny

In “American Oz,” Michael Sean Comerford set out to document a full year of traveling with American carnivals.

Tilt-A-Whirls And Cotton Candy: Inside The Life Of A Carny
Chicago writer Michael Sean Comerford details his year on the road with traveling carnivals in his new book "American Oz: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals: Hitchhiking from California to New York, Alaska to Mexico." Courtesy of Michael Comerford
Tilt-A-Whirls And Cotton Candy: Inside The Life Of A Carny
Chicago writer Michael Sean Comerford details his year on the road with traveling carnivals in his new book "American Oz: An Astonishing Year Inside Traveling Carnivals at State Fairs & Festivals: Hitchhiking from California to New York, Alaska to Mexico." Courtesy of Michael Comerford

Tilt-A-Whirls And Cotton Candy: Inside The Life Of A Carny

In “American Oz,” Michael Sean Comerford set out to document a full year of traveling with American carnivals.

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Chicago writer Michael Sean Comerford traveled with several carnivals coast-to-coast to better understand the life of a carny. 

In this interview, he talks about the family, the code and the history of one of the oldest American delights.

American Oz
Courtesy of Michael Comerford

GUEST: Michael Sean Comerford, author of American Oz